How to Sail - 2h first sail - Part 1 of 7 - Introduction
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This training video will show you what to do on your first sail. You will learn how
to start and stop the boat, control your speed and turn around.
For your first sail you should choose a light wind day, and the objective is to sail backwards
and forwards across the wind, with the wind blowing over the side of the boat like this.
This is called a beam reach, and this is the best point of sailing for your first sail.
When you have more experience, you can then master the other points of sailing.
This video assumes that you are familiar with rigging your boat and you know how to launch
safely. And that you understand the points of sailing.
Identify where the wind is blowing from by looking at flags ashore, or masthead burgees,
or look at ripples on the water. A flapping sail will also indicate where the wind is
blowing from.
You need to be careful of the no go zone, which is an area 45 degrees either side of
where the wind is blowing from. The sails do not work in this zone and you will not
be able to sail. By identifying where the wind is blowing from, you should be able to
work out where the no go zone is likely to be and try to ensure that you do not steer
unintentionally into this zone.
